"I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I've got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it off to future generations."
-George Bernard Shaw

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October 29, 2013

Total Weight Gain: Let's
just say I weigh more than I did last week. I didn't look at the scale, but my
midwife announced it as soon as she came in the room, which was completely
humiliating, especially since Jason was there.

Maternity Clothes: I
recently bought a large men's sweatshirt from Wal-Mart for six whole dollars,
which is currently my favorite thing to wear. Unlike the rest of my shirts, it
actually covers the bottom of my belly.

Sleep: I'm not tired at night and when I
do manage to fall asleep, I wake about every 2-3 hours out of discomfort. Then
to top it all off, I am usually wide awake at 5am. Needless to say, sleep is
not going well.

Stretch Marks: Thankfully, still nothing.

Highlight of the Week: On
Saturday night, Jason and I went to the Thriller Parade in downtown Lexington.
It was a nice distraction and I had a good time getting into the Halloween
spirit!

Missing: I can't believe I'm saying
this, but I miss the end of the second trimester. I looked pregnant, but I
wasn't miserable like I am now, physically or emotionally.

Movement: He's moved back UP out of my
pelvis, so there's that. He's also moved over to my left side, rather than my
right, which is where he has hung out for the past 9 months. Getting
adventurous I suppose...

Cravings: The only thing I crave is to not
be pregnant anymore!

Food Aversions: None

Symptoms: Hip pain, finger joint
pain, back pain, boredom, anxiety, impatience, etc. And to top it all off, I
puked twice this week while brushing my teeth. Honestly, I am 25 weeks too
pregnant for that!

Showing: Yep

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Not a single flutter.
Literally nothing. I have serious doubts that I will ever go into labor at this
point. I am trying to prepare myself emotionally for a possible induction, but
it is not going well. I cried all the way home from my appointment today since
he's moved away from where he's supposed to be and since my cervix is still not
in the mood to birth this baby. My midwife isn't even sure if she will be able
to strip my membranes if need be, because they are too high for her to reach!
I'm trying really hard not to feel defective, but I'm starting to wonder if I
would be one of those women that died in childbirth back in the olden days
simply because my body seems to have no clue what it's supposed to be doing!

Belly Button In or Out: Out

Wedding Rings On or Off: Off

Most looking forward to: I am
looking forward to hopefully going into labor on my own sometime soon. I really
want to experience natural childbirth, and every day that passes that nothing
happens I get more and more afraid of having to be induced. I''m trying to keep
in mind that the end goal is a healthy baby, regardless of how he gets here,
which is true I guess, but the fact of the matter is that it does matter
to me how he gets here. My main priority is his health and safety of course,
but secondarily, I would like to have a good birth experience. I really hope
those two things don't become mutually exclusive, because obviously I will
throw myself in front of a speeding train if that's what it takes to get him
out safely, but I'd prefer not to have to resort to that. (Perhaps I am being a
bit dramatic, but you get my point.) Also, obviously I am really, really,
really looking forward to seeing my son for the first time!

Milestones: Well, based on the new and
improved labor charts or whatever they are, I am finally "full term.
" Apparently 37 weeks is "early term" now.

*I realize this week I seem a little grouchy. Please
don't think for a moment that I’m not incredibly thankful to be pregnant,
because I am. I'm more than happy to go through whatever it takes (both during
the rest of my pregnancy and during his birth, however that ends up happening)
to have a healthy baby at the end of the day. However, that doesn't change the
fact that today has been a tough day, and I think it's important to be honest
and share that.

October 22, 2013

How Far Along: 38 weeksTotal Weight Gain: I accidentally peeked at the doctor's office today and it is far too terrible to put on the interwebs. Oh how I pray it all comes off after he gets here. Have I mentioned this is the worst part of being pregnant?Maternity Clothes: Now that I'm not working, I will probably start living in t-shirts and undies at home. Literally none of my pants are comfortable anymore. Mom gave me some pajama pants last night that I am wearing at the moment and they are quite comfy.Sleep: I'm wide awake these days. I wake up about every three hours during the night, which I guess is just my body preparing to take care of a newborn. Naturally, now that I can sleep in, my body won't let me! I think part of my problem is just nervous energy and excitement.Stretch Marks: Still none! (I am really, really hoping it stays that way.)Highlight of the Week: Hmm...I have had a pretty good week. I guess my highlight would have to be Friday though, which was my last day of work. Now I get to be a stay-at-home mom for a few years!Missing: Not much, really. I am still trying to savor these last few weeks of being pregnant. I am really looking forward to being able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes though. (Lord willing!)Movement: He's still his regular crazy self in there :) When my midwife took his heartbeat today he was moving all over the place!Cravings: Same old, same old.Food Aversions: NoneSymptoms: There is a sore spot on the left side of my back, right under my shoulder blade that really bugs me. I heard it pop a few weeks ago, and ever since then it has been sore. My back in general is starting to get achy and my feet are getting bigger. Not necessarily swelling, but they are definitely bigger. I hope they shrink back too or else none of my shoes are going to fit!Showing: YepGender: BoyLabor Signs: Not a thing. I think being this far along is similar to the "2 Week Wait" women go through while they are waiting to take a pregnancy test, because I keep analyzing my body for even the slightest hint that something is happening! At my appointment today, my midwife told me my cervix is softening, but still no effacement or dilation. If I'm still nada at 41 weeks, she will strip my membranes, but I am hoping he'll come out on his own before then.Belly Button In or Out: OutWedding Rings On or Off: Off, and I still really miss them.Most looking forward to: Going into labor! I am actually really excited about experiencing labor. And of course I am anxious to hold my sweet boy already!Milestones: He's just packing on the chub at this point. Hopefully just 2 weeks to go!

October 16, 2013

How Far Along: 37 weeksTotal Weight Gain: I don't know because I choose not to torture myself, but I was told at my appointment that I lost a pound last week! It's about time he started leeching his body weight off of mine!Maternity Clothes: I just have to make it to Friday, which is my last day of work. (Yay!) Then I'll be doing well to be wearing clothes at all. (Kidding!) I actually wore Jason's shirt to church on Sunday, and I think it looked pretty snazzy!Sleep: It's actually going okay. I roll over to switch sides about 1,000 times per night, but that's the norm now so I'm used to it. I'm also waking up at the crack of dawn regardless of the fact that I don't have to be up that early.Stretch Marks: Nope! I'm hoping and praying they stay far, far away for these next few weeks!Highlight of the Week: On Saturday, Jason and I bought the rest of the must-have items we need for Sawyer. There are still things we'd like to have, of course, and things we will need to have eventually, but I am glad we have the necessities for his first few weeks. Now he can just come on out whenever he's ready!Missing: I mainly just miss being able to move quickly and however I want. Honestly though, I've had a wonderful pregnancy and I can't complain one bit.Movement: I worry about him not moving much sometimes, but then he wakes up and puts on a half hour Riverdance performance, so I think he's doing pretty well in this category. Supposedly he already has the sleep patterns of a newborn, so that's why he's still sometimes (sleeping) and crazy at other times (awake).Cravings: Milk, of course. And apples with caramel dip.Food Aversions: None.Symptoms: Being large is my main symptom. I seriously can't hardly get up without Jason helping me. Also, my hands fall asleep at night and my finger joints hurt in the mornings. Plus, I'm in full on nesting mode at this point. And as of yesterday, my feet have started to swell.Showing: YepGender: BoyLabor Signs: Not yet, but I am on the lookout!Belly Button In or Out: OutWedding Rings On or Off: OffMost looking forward to: Meeting my baby! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!Milestones: He's FULL TERM!!! He could come at any moment! Of course, he'll probably wait until 42 weeks just to make me suffer, but even if he does, I WILL have a baby sometime between today and 5 weeks from now!

October 14, 2013

For Sawyer’s nursery I wanted to create a space that could grow with him, but that still felt appropriate for a baby. I knew I wanted to keep the walls neutral and have white furniture for a clean, sharp look. The bedding from Pottery Barn Kids was the jumping off point for us, and we used the colors in it (navy, white, red, and light blue) throughout his nursery.

Design Inspiration:

The preppy, somewhat nautical vibe of New England was my inspiration for Sawyer’s room. I wanted the space to feel coherent without having a specific “theme,” and I think we achieved that.

Decorating Style:

My style can best be described as classic, traditional, and neat. I try to use pieces that are going to be timeless, rather than following trends. I err on the side of plain and simple, but Jason keeps me from being too “vanilla.”

Favorite Items:

It’s hard to choose because I really do love everything, but I especially appreciate all of the personal touches in his nursery. It’s so sweet to think I will rock my baby to sleep in the same rocking chair that his great-great-grandmother used to rock her babies. I also love the oar that my husband designed and painted, and that Sawyer will play with the same rocking horse I had as a child. I can't forget about the Build-A-Bear Jason and I made on our anniversary either!

Advice:

Start early! There are so many great ideas out there that it is hard to choose at first. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm. Once you do decide, there will likely be lots of projects to complete, things to buy, decorations to find, etc. It's a lot more enjoyable if you aren't in a rush and can take your time to get everything just so.

These pictures aren't the greatest quality due to my camera and the lighting, but you get the idea...

Project Details:

Paint
Color: Sherwin Williams "Latte"

Crib: Graco Charleston 4-in-1 convertible classic crib

Changing
Table: Delta Harlow changing table

Baskets: I think they came from Target, but they are almost 10 years old. Re-purposed!

Dresser: Ameriwood White Finish 6 Drawer Dresser

Side Table: This was a black end table we already had, which Jason painted to match the nursery.

Rocking
Chair: It originally belonged to Jason’s great-grandmother and was passed down to us from his parents.

Toy Box: Solutions by Kids R Us

Floating
Shelves: Allen + Roth 36" wall mounted shelving

Rocking
Horse: It was mine as a little girl. A friend from church made it by hand.

Bedding: Pottery Barn Kids

Mirror: Another thing we already had that we painted and re-purposed for the nursery.

Framed Prints: Designed by Jason. The frames were black Wal-Mart frames that we spray painted silver. We were really impressed with how well they turned out!

Frame Above Crib: Handmade by Jason using crown moulding from Lowe’s

Letters: Michael’s

Curtains: Threshold Grayson Grommet Window Panel Pair Other Items: A lot of the small, decorative items came from TJ Maxx. Jason made the wooden ark when he was in high school and the fire truck was a childhood toy of his. The red lamp was a baby shower gift.

Now that we've got the nursery finished we can't wait to put a baby in it!

October 08, 2013

How Far Along: 36 weeksTotal Weight Gain: I don't even want to know at this point. I figure I'll weigh myself right before I head to the hospital so I'll know what the total damage was, but until then all weighing myself does is put me in a bad mood.Maternity Clothes: It's getting rough. I feel bad for Jason because by the time he gets home I'm doing well to be dressed in my undies and a huge t-shirt, so he doesn't get to come home to a pretty wife anymore. Yesterday I kept the clothes I wore to work on until about 8:30 which was probably a third trimester record. I will be SO glad to be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again!Sleep: Eh. It's been better, but it's also been worse. I'm careful to drink only milk before bed and I keep my tums at the ready on my night stand.Stretch Marks: Still staying away, probably because God's taking pity on me. He must know that getting stretch marks would send my self-esteem crashing onto the jagged rocks of despair.Highlight of the Week: Baby showers galore! We had a shower at Jason's office on Wednesday, a shower at church on Sunday, and today I'm going to lunch with the ladies who work across the hall from me for a little shindig as well. We are so, so grateful to have so many people in our lives who love us and are helping us get ready for little buddy to get here. THANK YOU!!! We also got to take our maternity pictures, thanks to my friend Julia, so that was a ton of fun too. Plus, I think they turned out great!Missing: I don't really miss much, aside from being able to wear whatever I want out of my closet. It's kind of like being in the first trimester when my pre-pregnancy clothes were tight, but it wasn't time for maternity clothes yet. Only now, my maternity clothes are tight and it's not time for my pre-pregnancy clothes yet!Movement: Starting to decrease a little. He still squirms, but I guess he finally got so squished that he decided pushing my organs around just wasn't worth it. I think he may have dropped, but that could just be wishful thinking. His butt used to be higher, and now it seems to be hovering around my belly button area.Cravings: Anything I don't have to cook! Not really, but I'm tired a lot and trying to think of what to do for dinner or what to bring for lunch is a lot of effort. Poor Jason is probably getting tired of cereal, sandwiches, and ramen noodles.Food Aversions: None.Symptoms: Heartburn, getting short of breath, being enormous. Also my hands sometimes fall asleep at night, which is weird.Showing: YepGender: BoyLabor Signs: None yet. I'm on the lookout though!Belly Button In or Out: OutWedding Rings On or Off: Off, and I really miss them.Most looking forward to: Being FULL TERM next week!Milestones: He's starting to shed his lanugo and vernix, so he'll be smooth and soft when he's born.

October 01, 2013

How Far Along: 35 weeksTotal Weight Gain: a lotMaternity Clothes: I have about 5 shirts that still fit, so I'll be wearing the same 5 outfits to work these next three weeks.Sleep: It's a complete disaster. Heartburn wakes me up with a vengeance and no amount of milk or tums seem to help. Sometimes I can't even lay down; I have to try to sleep propped up to keep my insides from bubbling over. I know I'm keeping Jason up, which I feel awful about, so I've been going to the couch when it gets to the point where I know there's no hope. I figure it's just preparing me for the sleepless nights to come!Stretch Marks: Amazingly, I still don't have any.Highlight of the Week: This week has been pretty standard. This weekend we spent some time with Jason's family and had dinner with some friends, so that was nice. On Wednesday, Mom and I went to Lexington in search of a bra that doesn't dig in to my sore spot, and it was good to spend time with her. (Thanks for the bra, by the way!)Missing: Sleep, but I think I may as well get used to that :)Movement: I read in one of my books that he may start to move less as he gets more and more cramped. However, that is definitely NOT the case! Half the time my belly is lopsided thanks to a little baby butt sticking up shamelessly on my right side!Cravings: Nothing new. I'm excited that it's October now because it's time for candy :)Food Aversions: NoneSymptoms: Heartburn! It really only comes at night, which is both a blessing and a curse.Showing: YepGender: BoyLabor Signs: NopeBelly Button In or Out: OutWedding Rings On or Off: OffMost looking forward to: Our baby showers this week!Milestones: He's pretty much set, so if he were born right now chances are good he wouldn't have any complications. That's reassuring, but I hope he keeps cooking a little longer just to be safe. It's hard to believe that in just 2 weeks he'll be full term!